An employee hands a resignation letter to their boss

How to Resign From a Job Professionally: 7 Useful Tips

5 min read | Jun 3, 2024
 Marta Gongos- Ad Culture By Marta Gongos

So you’ve decided to resign and find a new job. Congratulations! Next comes formalizing your decision with an official resignation notice. We can help with that.

We’ve rounded up tips on how to resign gracefully so you can maintain a professional relationship with your current employer and co-workers. 

1. Ask Yourself Why You’re Resigning From a Job

Before getting into the details of how to quit your job, you must first have a solid reason why you’re leaving. It could be a new job offer with better employee benefits, a job location near you, or an opportunity to grow. Your reason could also be burnout, stress, and discontent as seen in 71% of Canadian workers.  

Whatever your reason is, it’s important to put a positive spin on it. Anything negative in writing or speaking can backfire, especially when earning a good job reference for a future employer.

2. Resign in Person

How to resign gracefully—never tell your boss you’re resigning via email or text. Be courteous and schedule a one-on-one meeting with your manager—it’s the best way to resign from a job. 

Having a private conversation with them gives you space to explain why you’re leaving and leave the employee-employer relationship on a positive note. If this isn’t possible, your next best solution is to set up a video conference call with your supervisor.

💡Pro-tip: Don’t tell co-workers about your resignation yet. It’s best to inform them once you’ve submitted what’s required and received a green light to continue from HR.

An employee and her supervisor having a one-on-one meeting

Image Source: Canva

3. Give Notice When Possible 

Always give formal and adequate notice. It’s one of the most important things to note when learning how to quit your job professionally.

Workers covered by Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) are required to provide at least two weeks’ notice before the resignation date. However, employers can indicate a longer notice period on the employment contract; this policy applies instead of the ESA regulations. 

Providing written notice is the norm for all jobs. If you leave immediately without two weeks’ notice, the company may consider you for wrongful resignation when they have proof of significant loss. 

Read more: 7 Common Company Policies You Need in Writing

4. Write a Formal Resignation Letter

The next step in How to Quit Your Job is to write a resignation letter. This formal document entails your clear intent and helps human resources finalize financial compensations. 

Resignation letters, albeit small in size, also ensure legal compliance. It could help protect employer and employee rights as it can be used as evidence against disputes and legal issues. 

💡Pro-tip: We highly recommend writing a resignation letter in advance. After talking to your supervisor and giving notice, you can submit the letter right away since you have it ready.

5. Offer Help to Assist Smooth Transition

Giving notices and formal resignation letters aren’t the only things to do when learning how to resign from a job. You can help the hiring manager find a replacement or offer a lending hand; they’ll appreciate the gesture.

If you know anyone who fits the job description, recommend them to your supervisor. During their onboarding process, offer to train your replacement to ensure a smooth transition. 

6. Take the Exit Interview

Resigning from a job often involves an exit interview. Here’s where the HR personnel asks you to share your experience in the company and explain why you’re leaving your position. 

Employees can mention bonds they’ve formed in the office, feedback for supervisors, and issues they’ve encountered while working. In turn, HR takes this time to identify areas for improvement and chances for refining employee retention. 

7. Say Goodbye and Thank Your Employer

Part of the How to Resign Gracefully guide is saying goodbye to everyone in the office. You can do so by sending a mass email to departments you’ve worked with or messaging your team’s group chat. 

If you’re up for it, host a simple after-hours party to say your last words with colleagues. Don’t forget to thank your employer and express gratitude for your time working with the company. 

An employee resigning from a job says goodbye to workmates while holding a box

Image Source: Canva

Advance to Your Next Career Level With Ad Culture

Use this How to Resign From a Job guide as indicated, and we’re confident you’ll leave your current employer with their blessing and respect.

Your employment journey doesn’t stop after your resignation. Continue by looking for next-level opportunities at Ad Culture, Toronto’s leading marketing recruitment agency. We’re constantly recruiting for the 16 positions we interview for. Submit your resume today, and we’ll match you with the right employer!

Got any questions about our recruitment process? Send us a message or call us at (416)-827-2944.

Let’s chat
about building
your team!

    Let’s chat

      Let’s chat

      What's New In Ad Culture

      Contact Us

      Let’s Find The Right Combination Of Talent And Personality For Your Company.

        Hire TalentGet Hired